Correlation of Blood Lead Levels and Serum 25(Oh)D Levels to Nt-Probnp Levels in Lead-Exposed Workers

Introduction. Lead exposure can affect vitamin D levels and is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) is recognized as a useful biomarker in and detection of cardiovascular disease risk. This preliminary analytical study examined potential correlations between blood lead levels (BLL), serum 25(OH)D levels and NT-proBNP levels in lead-exposed workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 male workers in a lead-exposed. Venous blood samples were collected. BLL was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), NT-ProBNP and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Relationships were analyzed by correlation. Statistical significance was defined as p-value <0.05. Results. The minimum length of employment for participants is 3 years and the maximum is 10 years. The majority of participants (56.3%) had lead-exposed occupations (e.g. construction workers, farmers, smelting). Correlation between BLL and serum 25(OH)D concentrations (r = 0,21, p= 0.036), no correlation between BLL and NT ProBNP levels (r = 0,10, p = 0.428) and no correlation between BLL and NT ProBNP levels (r = 0,15, p = 0,243). Discussion. However, studies on this issue are still limited and the absence of a correlation may be due to the fact that BLL in the samples have not reached a level that can cause an effect. Conclusion. There is a correlation between BLL and serum 25(OH)D levels, no correlation between BLL and NT-ProBNP levels or serum 25(OH)D levels and NT-ProBNP levels.